[1] This genus belongs to the clade of nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses.

[citation needed] The genome is a single molecule of double stranded DNA of a ~356-kilobases.

During replication virions emerge from a specific cytoplasm compartment – the 'viroplasm' – which is created by the virus.

[4] The sole species was originally thought to belong to the family Phycodnaviridae.

DNA studies have shown that the genus belongs in the family Asfarviridae.